From 1919 to 1955 there was vehicle and pedestrian access from the Queensboro Bridge to Roosevelt (then Welfare) Island. According to Neil Tandon writing for the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS):

... The Elevator Storehouse, opened in 1919, housed an elevator that transported cars and people from the Queensboro Bridge down to the present-day Tramway Plaza. In addition, it contained storage space and a reception ward for the island's Metropolitan Hospital. The building, whose main lobby was on its top floor, was nicknamed the upside-down building and was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not for its peculiar design. With the opening of the Welfare Island Bridge, the building closed in 1955 and was demolished in 1970....

There was the storehouse building that had 5 or 6 elevators which were for vehicles, including a fire truck and heavy trucks that delivered to the institutions on the island. There were a few elevators for pedestrians and those arriving and departing on the trolleys used.

The only stairs that I know of were at First Avenue and at Vernon Blvd. leading to the upper level which was originally for pedestrians. There were 4 towers and each also had an elevator.

The massive helix was never built, but it would have been fun for skateboarders.

You can sign up for a Gristedes Bonus Savings Card online or in store - just make sure you give your email address, whether a new or existing Bonus Savings Club member, in order to be eligible for the Diamond Rewards Loyalty program.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Three important issues impacting the quality of life for Roosevelt Island residents will be discussed at the next meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC Administrative Office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

Agenda:

1. Presentation of Proposed Roosevelt Island Ferry Station;

2. Update on Roosevelt Island Youth Center Renovation;

3. Discussion of Westview Ground Lease Amendment; and

4. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee.

***

The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.

RIRA ELECTION IS COMING SOON! Serve your community and be part of this organization that is making a difference for a better life on Roosevelt Island.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH RIRA:

It has been an honor to be part of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) for the last two years. I’ve always heard of this volunteer-run organization whose members are elected by Roosevelt Island residents to improve our community and tackle any and all issues. In the first several weeks, I sat back and learned from all the members that have graciously served on the Common Council. I saw an opportunity to pitch in and offered to run an island-wide survey to take a snapshot parts of the island, in all the buildings. Five months later, more than 700 survey-takers have given us ample information and data to address at the end of this term and in the next term.

All the monthly meetings I attended were filled with collaborative efforts to take on different issues with Common Council members chairing an abundance of committees. These include the Planning Committee:

Island Blood Drive in its 14th annual year benefiting the New York Blood Center;

the Government Relations Committee, which serves as liaison to local elected officials, and

the Public Purpose Fund Committee, which organizes the requests submitted by Island nonprofits for grants funded by RIOC.

The Youth Initiative Committee I chaired has organized numerous events for the youth of the island, including presentations by world-renowned chefs on Italian culture and cuisine and how their passions for culinary art became a worldwide business and established them as cultural messengers.

Other undertakings include the Make It Count Leadership Project that teaches young students how a bank works and exposes them to new job opportunities in the financial field, as well as budgeting and organizing activities and events for the Seniors on the island and earning recognition for their leadership engagement.

The rewards of serving are far greater than the time commitment of three hours per month to enrich the lives of our neighbors and community. Anyone who is at least 18 years old may serve, regardless of citizenship or nationality.

RIRA ELECTIONS:

RIRA will hold its next election for representatives on November 8th, and we invite you to be part of this organization. If you are interested in making a difference on Roosevelt Island, please contact me, Adib Mansour, Chair of the Election Nomination Committee at riradib@earthlink.net so we can arrange a conversation about RIRA and how you might participate as an elected representative.

Here is link to the RIRA Nomination Form in case you are interested. Nomination forms are also available at the Public Safety Department Office (550 Main Street) and New York Public Library Roosevelt Island branch (524 Main Street). Nomination forms are available until October 25.

If you would like to have a chat and further discuss the nomination process and any questions you might have about RIRA in general or any other inquiries, please contact me.

Nomination Forms should be deposited in the red box at the Public Safety vestibule NO LATER THAN TUESDAY OCTOBER 25 2016, 9PM. You may run for the Common Council as well as President and Vice President positions. Please refer to the nomination form for more details.

ELECTIONS INFORMATION:

RIRA’s elections are also on November 8th.

Candidates should plan to attend the following:

Common Council Candidates Night: November 1st, 2016 - 8PM - To be announced in the Roosevelt Islander as well as the WIRE.

President and Vice President: November 2nd, 8PM - Good Shepherd.

The RIRA) Common Council will meet this evening, October 5, at 8:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street).

As always, prior to the start of each monthly meeting there is a Public Session in which residents can come and address the Common Council Delegates on any issue of concern.

Here's the Agenda for the final meeting of the 2014-16 RIRA Common Council.

Can anyone comment on the loud explosion and bright light that happened at the power plant across the river last night? Anyone that lives on the far East side of the island near the plant would have heard/seen/felt it but the news is not covering!

There was a loud noise, not an explosion, last night that we believe came from a garbage truck that dropped a container. It quite possibly could have come from the Ravenswood plant however none of our officers witnessed that and a check of our logs shows no calls from any residents. We checked the sea walls on the east side of the Island and everything appeared to be in order.

The issue is with Con Edison property and equipment. TransCanada's property and equipment were not involved or affected.

I asked Con Ed for comment. No response yet but will update when more information available.

UPDATE 8:10 PM - According to a Con Ed spokesperson:

... our Vernon Substation just across the water in Queens had an incident that had the FDNY response. It was smokey and some damage to the substation. But no one was hurt, no loss of power and no evacuations. It occurred at about the same time.

Seems reasonable to think that is what folks on RI heard and experienced.

... nearly 200 Roosevelt Islanders learned how to prepare for the next storm and received free go bags, so they will be ready when the time comes. The event was hosted by Council Member Ben Kallos, Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito, Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Acting President Susan Rosenthal and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Jack McManus. On the eve of National PrepareAthon! Day, residents came to learn emergency preparedness skills so they will be ready as climate change leads to more unpredictable weather conditions in and around New York City.

Since 2014 Council Member Kallos has funded the Roosevelt Island CERT with $8,000 for new, up-to-date, modern two way radios designed to be operational in the event the island suffers an emergency and the CERT is activated.

“Every New Yorker should be trained to handle emergencies and own a Go Bag,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Always be prepared, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. You never know when a natural disaster may force you to evacuate.”

“NYC Emergency Management works tirelessly to ensure that New Yorkers are educated about emergency preparedness,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “We’re happy to partner with Council Member Kallos to provide an important opportunity for Roosevelt Island residents to receive information on NYCEM’s programs and community-based initiatives, as well as how best to prepare themselves to respond to emergencies.”

“We are grateful to Council Member Kallos for making the security of Roosevelt Island residents a priority. RIOC is always looking for ways to increase security efforts, such as with the recent improvements to the emergency response time of the 911 Call Center. That crucial update, taking into account the unique nature of our Island, was the direct result of all stakeholders working together. Now, with respect to emergency preparedness, RIOC looks forward to working with OEM to ensure the health and safety of our Roosevelt Island Community.” Said Susan Rosenthal Acting President of Roosevelt Island Operating Cooperation.

September is National Preparedness Month culminating with “National PrepareAthon! Day” on September 30, the inspiration for the evening’s training ahead of Atlantic hurricane season. The event included the distribution of free Go Bags — a collection of items you can use in the event of an evacuation. Each household member should have a Go Bag, which should be sturdy, lightweight, and portable, such as a backpack.

Copies of important documents in a waterproof container;
Extra sets of car and house keys;
Copies of credit and ATM card and cash;
Bottled water and nonperishable food;
List of medications and dosages household members take, or copes of all prescription slips with doctors’ name and numbers;
Child care, pet care and other special items;
Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map.

Here's video of the Town Hall provided by Council Member Kallos. In addition to information regarding emergency preparation and Go Bags, issues discussed included Roosevelt Island emergency evacuation plans (29 minute 30 Second Mark) and the annual Roosevelt Island Bridge traffic disruptions (3 minute 25 second mark of second video) during United Nations week. Watch both videos. They contain very informative and important information that can help keep you and your family safe when an emergency occurs..

we will have a healthcare representative here every Tuesday from 1-4pm. He will provide Medicare and health insurance related assistance.

We will be closed Monday, October 10th for Columbus Day.

We will be a pop-up site for ID NYC beginning Tuesday, October 11th.

There will be a press conference held here that morning at 10:00AM to kick off the event. Representatives from ID NYC will be available Tuesday the 11th – Friday the 14th from 9am-5pm to help people acquire an ID. Their last day here will be Monday, October 17th from 9am-noon.

took another step closer to privatization and exiting the NY State affordable housing program this weekend with the residents approving an affordability plan negotiated between their representatives, the Westview Task Force (WTF) and building ownership. According to this WTF email sent out Sunday October 2

Friends Neighbors, Westview Tenants,

We are pleased to announce the results of the Westview tenant vote to approve WESTVIEW A PLAN FOR PRESERVATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND WITHDRAWAL FROM THE MITCHELL-LAMA PROGRAM SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 – FINAL.

A total of 227 apartments voted

209 voted in favor

18 voted against

By an overwhelming majority, the Tenants of Westview have approved the Affordability Plan. This vote will allow us all to move forward towards a future with both rent protection and opportunity to purchase.

Thank you to all who participated in the vote.

The WTF stated their reasons for voting yes on the Affordability Plan in this September 29 email to building residents:

Friends, Neighbors, Westview Tenants,

Tomorrow, Friday, September 30th at 7:30pm, in the Westview lower community room begins an important vote that will affect ALL WESTVIEW RESIDENTS.

Everyone needs to vote! Please tell your friends and neighbors.

The Plan we are voting on contains provisions for both AFFORDABLE RENTS and OPPORTUNITY TO BUY. This vote is to accept or reject the Affordability Plan, not whether you plan to buy or not. Your decision to rent or purchase will come at a later date should the Plan be accepted.

If you want the RENT PROTECTION included in the Plan, vote YES.
If you want to PURCHASE your apartment as offered in the Plan, vote YES.

Voting YES for the Plan means:

1. Rent protection for existing tenants who chose to continue renting.
2. The opportunity to own your apartment at a heavily discounted price and build substantial equity.
3. The possibility of a buyout.
4. Complete funding of all present and projected major capital improvements.
Voting NO does not keep us in Mitchell-Lama and does not get us a better deal down the road. A NO vote means risking exit from Mitchell-Lama with NO Plan, NO real rent protection, NO ownership opportunity, NO buyout opportunities, NO funding for building repairs, only uncertainty and the risk of unregulated rents.

We encourage ALL tenants to vote YES!

We look forward to seeing everyone in the Westview lower community room on Friday, September 30th at 7:30pm to kick off the vote. Please make every effort to come as we need a quorum (at least 36 members) to start.

Voting will continue until 10pm on Friday, and again on Saturday, October 1st from 10 am to 3pm.

Ballots will be available at the voting location. If you are a designated proxy, please bring the completed Directed Proxy form to the voting location in person.

Some Westview residents are very scared for their future and doubt they can remain in their apartments based upon what they understand about the proposed plan.

One long time Westview resident upon learning of the plan's approval said:

I am going to have to leave Westview somehow and Roosevelt Island.

I am so heartbroken. I can't express it.

I attended the Tuesday, September 22 WTF informational meeting.

Image of September 22 WTF Affordability Plan Informational Meeting

The WTF Board members emphasized to residents attending the meeting that the Affordability Plan protects the lowest income residents who choose to stay and rent by increasing the price to purchase apartments from the Red Herring's $226 per square foot to the current price $246 per square foot.

Also, Westview rents, which have not increased in 8 years, will be raised 6.16% in the first year, followed by rates established by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board in subsequent years for those renters with incomes below the Area Medium Income. Rental apartments will not be subject to future electric submetering.

The Westview Task Force added that the Affordability Plan has the support of local elected officials, NY State Homes & Community Renewal and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). RIOC is expected to approve an extension of the Westview Ground Lease through 2068 during its January 2016 Board meeting.

“Westview residents’ vote to exit from New York State's Mitchell-Lama housing program is a significant milestone in protecting tenants’ rights, in addition to signaling the end of a housing era on Roosevelt Island,” stated Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright of the 76th Assembly District which includes Roosevelt Island.

Westview is the last building remaining in the Mitchell-Lama program on Roosevelt Island and will exit with an affordability plan supported by Assembly Member Seawright. Seawright acted on the numerous concerns raised by her constituents and worked with public officials Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Senator Jose M. Serrano, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, NYC Council Member Ben Kallos and New York State Homes & Community Renewal’s Commissioner James S. Rubin to ensure the affordability plan was fair for all. The proposed plan, which was overwhelmingly approved, protects Westview residents who chose to continue to rent rather than purchase. The affordability plan specifically protects residents on fixed incomes who simply cannot afford to purchase their apartments or pay market rent. At the same time, this is an opportunity for many middle income Westview residents to become first time home buyers at affordable purchase prices.

In a letter dated February 1, 2016 to Commissioner Rubin, signed by all the elected officials, Assembly Member Seawright, wrote:

Over the past several months, Westview residents expressed their concerns, especially senior citizens on fixed incomes, following a submission of an Offering Plan to the Office of the NYS Attorney General for the buildings known as Westview located on Roosevelt Island. We met with individuals and groups of constituents at our office, at their homes and attended tenant meetings. At our request, DHCR attorneys graciously met with Westview senior residents and listened to their concerns as well. On behalf of our constituents and Westview residents, please do not approve the revised Affordability Plan dated October 26, 2015 which includes a proposed initial rent increase of 14.9% as such a high increase it is not warranted.

“I am relieved and thrilled for residents who will continue to rent that their initial rent increase will not exceed 6.16% rather than the initial proposed rent increase of 14.9%,” Seawright said, “and at the same time the purchase price remains affordable for the residents who choose to purchase their homes.”

... Hudson Related Retail LLC has signed a lease for a café/juice bar to be located at 503 Main Street. The tenant already owns two successful businesses on Main Street, Wholesome Factory and Island Wine & Spirits. The café will serve juices, smoothies, and light fare such as paninis, salads, and bakery items. Opening is anticipated for summer 2017....

I've spoken in the past with the Island Wine owner suggesting combining a daytime sandwich shop/juice bar with a nighttime wine bar similar to 60 Beans on Ditmars B'lvd or Sweatleaf in Long Island City/Williamsburg.

Not sure if that is what is in store for Roosevelt Island but am excited to find out more about these plans.

Maybe this video from Roosevelt Island resident Nick Turner will remind you of your neighborhood grade school days. Mr. Turner shares this snapshot of a day in the life of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217.

I’m Meg Ray, the Teacher-in-Residence at Cornell Tech, and I’m so excited to be here. I will be embedded at PS/IS 217, coaching teachers in computer science content, leading model lessons in the classroom, and providing other supports related to teaching computer science in elementary and middle school. You may know that PS/IS 217 was selected to participate in the Elementary Software Engineering Program (SEP Jr.), and I will help support that implementation, which provides teacher training, curriculum resources and other materials to the school. Cornell Tech’s Teacher in Residence is the only program of its kind in New York City....

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WELCOME TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Welcome to the Roosevelt Islander Online!

Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.

The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.